Smoking pipe device with an insertable filter and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a smoking pipe device having a bowl for housing a smoking substance, a stem having a filter chamber for housing a filter, the stem is coupled to the bowl at a first end of the stem and includes a mouthpiece at a second end of the stem and a filter opening disposed along a sidewall portion of the stem between the bowl the mouthpiece, and a cover coupled to the stem for enclosing the filter opening and a portion of the filter chamber.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a smoking pipe device and method of use thereof. Particularly, the smoking pipe device may include a bowl, a stem, a mouthpiece, a filter opening disposed along a sidewall portion of the stem for receiving an insertable filter, and a retractable cover for enclosing the filter opening.

BACKGROUND

A smoking pipe is used to inhale the smoke of a burning substance. Most common is a tobacco pipe, which can also accommodate almost any other substance. Pipes are commonly made from Briar, Heather, corn, meerschaum, clay, cherry, glass, porcelain, ebonite and acrylic. Other types of pipes include bowl pipes of various designs for smoking cannabis and a water pipe, or Hookah, which has a tall stemmed pipe in which the smoke is cooled and filtered by passing through water.

Though many pipes are similarly constructed, these pipes often lack additional features that can enhance a user's smoking experience while providing additional safety and health benefits to users.

Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a smoking pipe which encompasses and offers augmented features for enhancing the user's smoking experience.

SUMMARY

It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide a smoking pipe device having a bowl for housing a smoking substance, a stem having a filter chamber for housing a filter, where the stem may be coupled to the bowl at a first end of the stem and may include a mouthpiece at a second end of the stem and a filter opening disposed along a sidewall portion of the stem between the bowl the mouthpiece, and a cover coupled to the stem for enclosing the filter opening and a portion of the filter chamber.

In one aspect, a handle may be coupled to the cover. In another aspect, a hinge assembly may be coupled to the cover allowing it to swing open and closed about a pivot point. In yet another aspect, a gasket may be disposed along an inner sidewall portion of the filter opening. Furthermore, the filter may have a tapered and bullet shaped body. Moreover, the cover may have a filter see-through port disposed along a top portion of the cover for providing a visual opening through which the filter is visually inspected for discoloration caused by tar buildup.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the disclosure and from the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a novel smoking pipe device, in accordance to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A-2D illustrate a side view (FIG. 2A), a top view (FIG. 2B), a left view (FIG. 2C), and a perspective view (FIG. 2D) of the smoking pipe device, in accordance to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the novel smoking pipe device, in accordance to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the cover of the novel smoking pipe device having a vertical lift assembly, in accordance to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the cover of the novel smoking pipe device with a sliding cover assembly, in accordance to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the cover of the novel smoking pipe device with filter see-through ports, in accordance to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the cover 107 of the novel smoking pipe device in the form of an adhesive shield, in accordance to an embodiment.

FIG. 8A-FIG. 8C illustrate bottom perspective views of a filter ejector assembly of the novel smoking pipe device, in accordance to an embodiment.

FIG. 9A-FIG. 9B illustrate top perspective views of a filter flavoring assembly of the novel smoking pipe device, in accordance to an embodiment.

FIG. 10A-FIG. 10D illustrate side profile views of filter shapes applied to the novel smoking pipe device, in accordance to an embodiment.

FIG. 11A-FIG. 11E illustrate visual steps of inserting the filter into the filter chamber of the novel smoking pipe device, in accordance to an embodiment. In one instance,

FIG. 12 illustrates a method of operating the novel smoking pipe device, in accordance to an embodiment

In the appended figures, one or more elements may have the same reference numeral in different figures indicating previously described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a novel smoking pipe device 100, in accordance to an embodiment. In one implementation, the smoking pipe device 100 may include a bowl 101, a stem 103, a mouthpiece 105, and a cover 107 for enclosing an filter opening disposed along a sidewall portion of the stem 103. The cover 107 may either be movable along or about a portion of the stem 103 or detachably coupled to the stem 103. Several implementations of the novel smoking pipe device 100 are realized both in functionality and practical application of the device by both aficionado and casual smokers.

FIG. 2A-2D illustrate a side view (FIG. 2A), a top view (FIG. 2B), a left view (FIG. 2C), and a perspective view (FIG. 2D) of the smoking pipe device 100, in accordance to an embodiment. The basic design and functionality of the smoking pipe device 100 share common characteristics of conventional smoking pipes, including the bowl 105 which is configured to receive and be filled with a smoking substance (e.g., tobacco or cannabis), and the stem 100 which includes a filter chamber 103-1 extending from the mouthpiece 105 to an intake opening 101-1 disposed along a sidewall of the bowl 105, allowing air to flow from the bowl 105 to the mouthpiece 105. In one implementation, the cover 107 is configured to open and close, allowing the user to access a filter opening disposed along a mid-portion of the filter chamber 103-1 which is configured to receive and house a disposable filter (shown in FIG. 3 ). In addition, the cover 107 may include a handle 107-1 such as but not limited to a knob, latch, or lever for pulling the cover away from the stem 103 in order to access the filter therein.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the novel smoking pipe device 100, in accordance to an embodiment. In the exploded view several novel components contained within or coupled to the stem 103 include 1) a disposable filter 110 which is configured to be inserted into a filter opening 103-2 disposed along the mid-portion of the filter chamber 103-1, 2) a gasket 106 disposed along sidewalls of the filter opening 103-2, preventing air seepage when the cover 107 is closed and fastened to the stem 103; and 3) a hinge assembly 108 coupling the cover 107 to a top portion of the stem 103, allowing the cover 107 to swing and rotate about the hinge 108, and thereby allowing it to open or close. In another implementation, a fastening assembly 104 may be disposed along one of the sidewalls of the filter opening 103-2, securing the cover 107 to stem 103 when closed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the cover 107 of the novel smoking pipe device 100 having a vertical lift assembly 107-2, in accordance to an embodiment. In another implementation, the cover 107 may be opened and closed by lifting (or pressing) a free end portion of the cover 107 in a vertical manner (V) which swings along a vertical lift assembly 107-2 disposed on a fixed end portion coupled to the stem 103. The vertical lift assembly 107-2 may include a hinge component which allows the cover 107 to pivot about the hinge.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the cover 107 of the novel smoking pipe device 100 with a sliding cover assembly, in accordance to an embodiment. In yet another implementation, the cover 107 may include inner rails (107-3 a, 107-3 b) disposed along each side of the cover 107 on the backside thereof. The inner rails (107-3 a, 107-3 b) may be coupled to and slide along corresponding stem rails (103-3 a, 103-3 b) disposed along each side of the filter opening 103-2. In operation, the cover 107 may be opened and closed by sliding it in a horizontal manner (H) which slides the cover 107 along the rail assembly (107-3 a, 107-3 b, 103-3 a, 103-3 b).

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the cover 107 of the novel smoking pipe device 100 with filter see-through ports, in accordance to an embodiment. In another implementation, the smoking pipe device 100 may include a first filter see-through port 107-5 disposed on the cover 107 and/or a second filter see-through port 103-5 disposed along a sidewall of the stem 103. The filter see-through ports (107-5, 103-5) provide a visual opening through which the user may inspect the filter 110 for discoloration due to tar buildup. Related materials and composition of the filter see-through ports (107-5, 103-5) include but is not limited to glass, temperature-resistant plastics, or other transparent materials designed for high temperature applications.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the cover 107 of the novel smoking pipe device 100 in the form of an adhesive shield, in accordance to an embodiment. In another implementation, the cover 107 may include a heat resistance non-porous material which has an adhesive material 107-7 disposed along an outer perimeter of the adhesive shield (i.e., cover 107). In one instance, the adhesive shield may be applied and secured to the stem 103 by fastening the adhesive material 107-7 along the outer perimeter of the filter opening 103-2. In another instance, the adhesive shield may be reusable so that the user may remove and reapply the adhesive shield to the stem 103 multiple times when inserting or removing the filter 110 from the filter chamber 103-1 of the stem 103.

FIG. 8A-FIG. 8C illustrate bottom perspective views of a filter ejector assembly 109 of the novel smoking pipe device 100, in accordance to an embodiment. In yet another implementation, the filter ejector assembly 109 is disposed along a bottom portion of the stem 103 and positioned below the filter 110 as shown in x-ray views (FIGS. 8B and 8C). The filter ejector assembly 109 may include a button 109-1, a filter ejector plate 109-2, and a shaft 109-3 coupling the button 109-1 to the filter ejector plate 109-2. A spring (not shown) may also be applied to the shaft 109-3 for keeping the button 109-1 in an outward position after being depressed by the user. In one instance, the button 109-1 is maintained the outward position when the filter 110 is inserted into the filter chamber 103-1 of the stem 103 as shown in FIG. 8B. In another instance, the user may press the button 109-1 towards the stem 103 in a upward direction (P) which causes the ejector plate 109-2 to push against the filter 110 upward towards the filter opening 103-2 as shown in FIG. 8C, allowing the user to easily remove the filter 110 from the stem 103.

FIG. 9A-FIG. 9B illustrate top perspective views of a filter flavoring assembly 111 of the novel smoking pipe device 100, in accordance to an embodiment. In yet another implementation, the filter flavoring assembly 111 may include a flavoring chamber 111-1 and a flavoring screen 111-2 for separating the flavoring chamber 111-1 from the filter chamber 103-1. The flavoring screen 111-2 may include but is not limited to a filter ring having multiple holes dispersed throughout as shown in FIG. 9B. In other embodiments, the flavoring screen 111-2 may include any porous materials or screens which allow a uniform air flow between the bowl 101 and the mouthpiece 105. In one aspect, the flavoring chamber 111-1 may directly receive flavored oils, spices, or other scented and flavored compounds. In another aspect, the flavoring chamber 111-1 may also receive a flavored filter 115 which may be inserted into the chamber 111-1 by the user.

FIG. 10A-FIG. 10D illustrate side profile views of filter shapes applied to the novel smoking pipe device 100, in accordance to an embodiment. In one instance, the filter 110 may have a bullet shape as shown in FIG. 10A. In another instance, the filter 110 may have a cube or rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 10B. In yet another instance, the filter 110 may have a capsule shape as shown in FIG. 10C. In still yet another instance, the filter 110 may have a hybrid-capsule shape as shown in FIG. 10D. In all instances, the filter 110 may be composed of 100% cotton, foam filters, synthetic fibers, or hybrid fibers. In yet another embodiment, the filter 110 may include a string (not shown) attached to an end portion of the filter 110, providing the user an additional component to remove the filter 110 from the filter chamber 103-1.

FIG. 11A-FIG. 11E illustrate visual steps of inserting the filter 110 into the filter chamber 103-1 of the novel smoking pipe device 100, in accordance to an embodiment. In FIG. 11A, the smoking pipe device 100 is positioned upright by the user so that the cover 107 is facing in an upward direction. In FIG. 11B, the cover 107 is pulled open by the handle 107-1 away from the stem 103, exposing the filter chamber 103-1. In FIG. 11C, the filter 110 is inserted into the filter chamber 103-1 with the tapered end of the filter 110 facing the mouthpiece 105. In FIG. 11D, the cover 107 is pushed towards the stem 103 enclosing the filter chamber 103-1. In FIG. 11E, the cover 107 engaged with the fastening assembly 104 and the gasket 106, locking the cover 107 to the stem 103, and preventing air to escape or enter the filter chamber 103-1.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method of operating and inserting a filter into the smoking pipe device 100, in accordance to an embodiment. The method of filter insertion 300 including: 1) positioning the smoking pipe device 100 upright by the user so that the cover 107 is facing in an upward direction (step 301); 2) pulling the cover 107 away from the stem 103 with the handle 107-1 from a closed position to an open position, thereby exposing the filter chamber 103-1 (step 302); 3) inserting the filter 110 into the filter chamber 103-1 with the tapered end of the filter 110 facing the mouthpiece 105 (step 303); 4) pushing the cover 107 towards the stem 103 in the closed position and enclosing the filter chamber 103-1 (step 304); and 5), engaging the cover 107 to the stem 103 with the fastening assembly 104, thereby locking the cover 107 to the stem 103, and preventing air to escape or enter the filter chamber 103-1 through the filter opening (step 305).

The method of removing the filter 110 from the filter chamber 103-1 of the smoking pipe device 100 is generally similar to that of the filter insertion method. For example, The method of removing the filter may include: 1) positioning the smoking pipe device 100 upright by the user so that the cover 107 is facing in an upward direction; 2) pulling the cover 107 away from the stem 103 with the handle 107-1 from a closed position to an open position, thereby exposing the filter chamber 103-1; 3) removing the filter 110 from the filter chamber 103-1 by pulling the filter out of the filter chamber 103-1 or ejecting the filter 110 from the filter chamber 103-1 using the filter ejector assembly 109; 4) pushing the cover 107 towards the stem 103 in the closed position and enclosing the filter chamber 103-1 (step 304); and 5), engaging the cover 107 to the stem 103 with the fastening assembly 104, thereby locking the cover 107 to the stem 103, and preventing air to escape or enter the filter chamber 103-1 through the filter opening 103-2 (step 305).

In sum, primary benefits and advantages of the novel smoking pipe device 100 include but are not limited to 1) providing a smoking pipe which encompasses and offers augmented features for enhancing the user's smoking experience, 2) having a filter chamber housing a removable filter disposed on the stem of the pipe which allows the user to replace used filters, and thereby protecting the user from excessive tar, and 3) providing a bullet shaped filter which can easily be inserted into the filter chamber via the tapered end of the bullet filter.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” included plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. All patents, patent applications, and other references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The preceding disclosure has been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and is in no way to be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure has been shown and described with respect to several preferred embodiments thereof, various changes, omissions, and additions to the form and detail thereof, may be made therein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure in its aspects.

Other embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of these teachings. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be limited only by the following claims which include all other such embodiments and modifications when viewed in conjunction with the above specifications and accompanying drawings. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A smoking pipe device comprising: a bowl for housing a smoking substance; a stem having a filter chamber for housing a filter, wherein the stem is coupled to the bowl at a first end of the stem and includes a mouthpiece at a second end of the stem and a filter opening disposed along a sidewall portion of the stem between the bowl and the mouthpiece; and a cover coupled to the stem for enclosing the filter opening and a portion of the filter chamber.
 2. The smoking pipe device of claim 1, wherein a handle is coupled to the cover.
 3. The smoking pipe device of claim 1, wherein a hinge assembly is coupled to the cover allowing it to swing open and closed about a pivot point.
 4. The smoking pipe device of claim 1, wherein a gasket is disposed along an inner sidewall portion of the filter opening.
 5. The smoking pipe device of claim 1, wherein the filter has a tapered and bullet shaped body.
 6. The smoking pipe device of claim 1, wherein the cover has a filter see-through port disposed along a top portion of the cover for providing a visual opening through which the filter is visually inspected for discoloration caused by tar buildup.
 7. The smoking pipe device of claim 1, wherein the stem has a filter see-through port disposed along a sidewall of the stem for providing a visual opening through which the filter is visually inspected for discoloration caused by tar buildup.
 8. The smoking pipe device of claim 1, wherein a filter ejector assembly is coupled to a bottom portion of the stem for allowing a user to eject an inserted filter from the filter chamber.
 9. The smoking pipe device of claim 1, wherein a filter flavoring assembly is coupled to the filter chamber and configured to receive flavored oils, spices, or other scented and flavored compounds.
 10. The smoking pipe device of claim 9, wherein the filter flavoring assembly is comprised of a flavoring chamber and a flavoring screen for separating the flavoring chamber from the filter chamber.
 11. A method of inserting a filter into a smoking pipe device comprising a bowl for housing a smoking substance; a stem having a filter chamber for housing the filter, wherein the stem is coupled to the bowl at a first end of the stem and includes a mouthpiece at a second end of the stem and a filter opening disposed along a sidewall portion of the stem between the bowl and the mouthpiece; and a cover coupled to the stem for enclosing the filter opening and a portion of the filter chamber, the method comprising: positioning the smoking pipe device upright so that the cover is facing in an upward direction; pulling the cover away from the stem by a handle from a closed position to an open position, thereby exposing the filter opening and filter chamber; inserting the filter into the filter chamber with a tapered end of the filter facing the mouthpiece; pushing the cover towards the stem in the closed position and enclosing the filter opening and the filter chamber; and engaging the cover to the stem with a fastening assembly, thereby preventing air to escape or enter the filter chamber through the filter opening.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the handle is coupled to the cover.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein a hinge assembly is coupled to the cover allowing it to swing open and closed about a pivot point.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein a gasket is disposed along an inner sidewall portion of the filter opening.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the filter has a tapered and bullet shaped body.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the cover has a filter see-through port disposed along a top portion of the cover for providing a visual opening through which the filter is visually inspected for discoloration caused by tar buildup.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the stem has a filter see-through port disposed along a sidewall of the stem for providing a visual opening through which the filter is visually inspected for discoloration caused by tar buildup.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein a filter ejector assembly is coupled to a bottom portion of the stem for allowing a user to eject an inserted filter from the filter chamber.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein a filter flavoring assembly is coupled to the filter chamber and configured to receive flavored oils, spices, or other scented and flavored compounds.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the filter flavoring assembly is comprised of a flavoring chamber and a flavoring screen for separating the flavoring chamber from the filter chamber. 